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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create a Sustainable Retreat for Tea Cultivation

Authors:
Rucha Valimbe, Yumian Zhou, Juliet Tremble
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create a Sustainable Retreat for Tea Cultivation

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and locally sourced stone, the design creates an environmentally sensitive retreat that serves as a center for tea cultivation and education.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates locally sourced stone to blend with the regional landscape.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural strength and sustainability.
04
Includes an outdoor workshop area designed for hands-on tea-making education.
05
Emphasizes natural ventilation through strategic glazing and airflow design.
The Tea Maker's Guest House is an architectural project located in Latvia, designed as a retreat for tea enthusiasts and a venue for educational workshops on tea-making. This structure leverages its setting to enhance both functionality and aesthetic value, harmonizing with the surrounding landscape. The design emphasizes sustainability and local culture while promoting community interaction among visitors.

The guest house strategically utilizes a combination of timber and stone to construct a structure that respects local building traditions. Timber serves as the primary material for the framework, providing warmth and lightness to the design. Stone elements, including existing walls, are incorporated into the project to maintain a connection to the historical context of the site. This thoughtful material selection signifies a commitment to environmental sustainability, as both materials are locally sourced and renewable.

Spatially, the guest house is organized to balance private and communal areas effectively. Living spaces—including a shared living room and communal dining areas—are positioned near the tea workshop to promote social interaction among guests. Bedrooms are designed to offer privacy while remaining accessible to the main functions of the retreat. The layout is intentionally open-plan, which enhances connectivity throughout the spaces and facilitates a fluid movement between different areas.

The unique aspects of this project lie in its integration of educational and communal elements. The design features a dedicated workshop area for tea-making, equipped for hands-on experiences. Large windows and strategic glazing create visual connections with nature, enhancing the indoor experience while optimizing natural lighting and ventilation. Adaptive glazing techniques allow for effective airflow, contributing to a sustainable indoor climate.

The site also includes outdoor spaces designed for relaxation and additional workshop activities, encouraging guests to engage with the natural environment. Importantly, the project includes a greenhouse, providing opportunities for guests to learn about local flora and cultivate an appreciation for tea production. This feature not only enhances the educational aspect of the guest house but also strengthens the relationship between the architectural design and its ecological context.

For a detailed understanding of the design processes and methodologies applied in this project, explore the architectural plans, sections, and unique design elements. Reviewing these components can provide essential insights into how the Tea Maker's Guest House exemplifies a coherent blend of function, sustainability, and cultural relevance in contemporary architecture.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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